IGP, Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, has reiterated the commitment of the Police Service in protecting journalists in the country.
The IGP said his administration does not take the freedom and protection of journalists for granted.
“We don’t take the protection of journalists and media freedom for granted. And that’s why we have strengthened our internal disciplinary procedure such that if a police officer falls foul of the expectation you will be punished to serve as a deterrent to others,” the IGP said.
He was speaking at a dialogue on media freedom organised by the Multimedia Group in Accra last Thursday.
He also reiterated the nexus between the police and the media.
“We are all in the service of the people and nobody is taking anybody’s place. So we are not in competition but we have a common goal, and that common goal is to serve the people,” he stated.
The IGP stressed that the humanity shared by both the police and the media means that mistakes can occur, but it is important to own up to these mistakes and apologise when necessary.
Channel Manager for Joy News, Kwaku Owusu Peprah, in his address said journalists in the country have received an enhanced protection from the police since Dr. Dampare assumed office as the IGP, marking a paradigm shift from the past.
According to him, the police have become more responsive and swift in matters concerning the media and journalists in the last three years.
Mr. Owusu Peprah said media practitioners acknowledge the improved security for journalists and hope it is sustained.
“In recent times, something good is happening and we must acknowledge it. It must be noted that under the leadership of Dr. Dampare as IGP, no journalist has been attacked,” he said as the crowd made of up people in the media fraternity applauded.
A Daily Guide Report